The Seventh Trumpet

15The seventh angel blew his trumpet. There were loud voices in heaven. They said,

“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ.

He will rule for ever and ever.”

16The 24 elders were sitting on their thrones in front of God. They fell on their faces and worshiped God. 17They said,

“Lord God who rules over all, we give thanks to you.

You are the One who is and who was.

We give you thanks because you have taken your great power

and have begun to rule.

18 The nations were angry,

and the time for your anger has come.

The time has come to judge the dead.

It is time to reward your servants the prophets

and your own people and those who honor you.

There is a reward for all your people,

both great and small.

It is time to destroy

those who destroy the earth.”

19Then God’s temple in heaven was opened. Inside it the wooden chest called the ark of his covenant could be seen. There were flashes of lightning, rumblings and thunder, an earthquake and a great hailstorm.